“RIMJHIM” IS the new series of Hindi text books introduced in class I to V by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) from the current academic session. For the first time, the method of Hindi alphabet learning has been changed. Now children will learn Hindi alphabets through different creative methods.
Dr Lata Pandey, co-ordinator and editor of the series at NCERT, New Delhi was in city to take part in BTC curriculum revision workshop. She told Hindustan Times that the textbooks titled -Rimjhim have already been published for class one and third for the current academic session.
Dr Pandey, a reader in Hindi at NCERT said that textbooks focus the words learning without burden and child-centred education repeatedly as per recommendations made by the National Curriculum Framework 2005 .
The 124-page NCF document prepared by the NCERT has already reflected in the new NCERT syllabus for classes one to twelve. It includes cutting down on the number of textbooks, making assessment methods flexible and promoting more inclusive learning.
These new books make a case for doing away with stereotypes based on gender and caste. By breaking away from established notions and prevalent teaching practices, the framework has laid the ground for making learning a more exciting experience .
Appealing visuals, poems, some characters, games etc have been used as the main learning tools in text books for the children. One picture recommends:
{{/usCountry}}Appealing visuals, poems, some characters, games etc have been used as the main learning tools in text books for the children. One picture recommends:
{{/usCountry}}“Show the class a picture of a household with various members of the family performing various tasks.
The difference is the father is cooking, the mother fixing the light bulb, the daughter returning from school on a bicycle, and the son milking the cow ... the grandfather is sewing on a button and the grandmother is doing the accounts.
Ask the children to talk about the picture. Do they think that there is any work that these people should not be doing? Why? Involve them in a discussion on dignity of work, equality and gender.”
Dr Pandey explains, the textbooks are “sensitive” to the needs of children and understands that the ultimate goal of education is to motivate.
Focus has been laid to reduce gap between home language and school language, efficacy of mother tongue medium schooling, all round development of child’s personality.
Importantly, Dr Pandey said that teachers’ role has become very important in view of new textbooks.
The teacher will be the one conveying it to students. Therefore, a new teaching guidebook has been prepared for teachers in very lucid and comprehensive language. The NCF has taken a positive step by recognising the importance of teachers, it could have taken a clearer view and made a series of policy recommendations on the subject, says Dr Pandey.
She mentioned that the books for class two and four standards would be ready next year followed by standard five books in 2008.